Journal of Captain Cook’s Last Voyage to the Pacific Ocean, on Discovery: Performed in the Years 1776-1779 (1781)

In life we see the great men and women who have been leaders. Men like Moses have been immortalized, and The Great King David who combined the many tribes of Israel into one nation. The priests such as Samuel and prophets Elijah and Elisha and Isaiah. They all are prominent. In the study of their lives we see how they were like ordinary rocks found lying on the ground. But God took each and, with His hands, began to shape and cut then polish to bring out attributes that gave them special character to face adversity and become great leaders. But all of those leaders were brought to preeminence with the help of others who didn’t receive recognition. Those unrecognized men and women were the chips and pebbles. They are the bridges that supported our heroes as they crossed huge chasms in their pursuits. Or, perhaps, we could designate them rungs on the ladder that leaders climbed to reach their prominence and achievements. These unheralded individuals are the Jewels about which this book is written. They were devoted followers of Jehovah God and they were obedient servants to His calling. In many ways they are just like you and me.